Gear grinding machine



June 23, 1953 o. a STAPLES 2,642,102

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cm: snmnmc Incl-mm Filed larch e, 1951 1;, S hde tkShoet 4 lllllllllliil 18- INVENTOR.

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INVEN TOR. 0n: 6'. 5mm:

Patented June 23, 1953 2,642,702. 7 GEAR GRINDlNG-MACHINE.

Otis. 1a.. Staples, Euclid, Ohio, assignor m The Cleveland. Hobbing Machine Company,.. E'uclilL. Ohio,,a.corporatibn of Ohio ApplicationMarch s, 1951, Serial No. 214,540:

8. Claims.. (01. 51-52) The. present invention relates to. machines. for

finishing the teeth. of; gears, splines: and the? like by'grinding and, more: particularly. toa machine of this character whereinv the. work: to be-flnished is rotated in. predetermined relationship' with. a

cylindrical grinding wheel having a helical. tooth (Ir thread? on its periphery.

Machines of: the.- general. character referred: to are old in the art, as illustratedby'U. S; patents to Olson No. 1,642,554 and Hanson'No; 1,693,781.

The principal object. of: the present; invention, however; is i to provide a. novel. andim'provedi machine of this general character which will be; simple in construction. and. less expensive to manufacture, is easier: to operate; and will. have: greater accuracy and higher'production;

A more specific object of the invention. is; the prcvisionof a novel and improved'machinerof: the: general character referred to:- capableof: finishing the teeth of both spur and helical. gears; splines, and theilike' and wherein. a relative move.- ment between the work and the grinding. wheel: is effected in. a direction parallel to thelength of theteeth of the work and in which provision ismade for adjusting. the angular relationship: be-- tween the axes of rotation ofthe workandgrinding wheel to provide for or permit the use-of grinding wheels having". different tooth. or thread helix angles.

Another more specific object of the; invention is the provisionof a. novel. and: improved machine" of the general character referredto' having; the grinding wheel rotatable about a; fixed axis: and the work. spindle carriedzbya WOllL headr pivoted toa reciprocable work sli'dawhich work. slideis: in turn carried by a second: pivoted? member. whereby the direction or: path or movement of the work slide may be aligned with thellength oi ie'teeth of the work an'd with'the' tooth orzthnead helix angle of grindin wheels having different tooth or threadhe'lix angles.

Another more specific object. of the invention is the provisionof a novel. and improved machinei of the generalcharacterrefer-redito: wherein the grinding wheel and work are rotated in predetermined time relationship by a mechanical drive connecting'the respectiveecarriersfandzwhichtdi'ive includes: a minimum: number: of: ears;

Another moresspecifi'c obj ectiof fthe' inventioniis' the provision of a. novel and? improved machine of thegenerah character referredlto whereim the grindingiwheel'andwork. arefrctated in: redeten-- mined. time; relationship by a mechanical;: drive connecting therespectivecarriers andwhich drive includes asinglepositionclutch in the high speedend of. the drive and comprisesv synchroniz-- ing: mechanism torefiectsmooth. re'engagement'of:

the; clutch,. thus; allowing; thework spindle tube stopped for re-loading without. stopping; the grinding wheel; whereby not only: the "accuracy; of: the-machineisimproved butitsproductionegreatly increased.

The invention resides in certain} constructions I and: combinations: and; arrangemientsoi parts and further objects and. advantages will be. apparent. torthose skilled. inthe. art towhichthe. invention. relates. fromthecfollowing. description. of. therpre fer-red embodiment described with reference to the. accompanying; drawings. forming. a partot this. specification. in whiclit. similar. reference. characters; designate corresponding.partsgand'l in which y Fig. 1 is a. plan view of agear grin'ding'm'achine' embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevational' view of the machine shown in Fig. 1, with partsbroken away to show details of" the construction;

Fig; 3' is an end elevational' view; looking from the right,.as viewed inFigLZ';

Fig. 8' isa fragmentary se'ctional: vielw" apprcecl--'v mat'ely'on the lin'ei 8*-8- of Fig; 3

Fig; tlis a; fragmentary. plan". view similar: to"

Fig; 1' but showing a crushing; mechanism. em; bod-ying the. present invention: in: position. on. the

machine"; I t s Fig; 1011s a frontvelevational. view of. the machine-rsliowntinllig. 9;; I Fig; 1 1 isa fm gmentary sectional view-approxie mately'onthe' lineH--M ofr Fig. 12:;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view approximately on the line |2|2 of Figs. and 11;

Fig. 13 is a plan view similar to Fig. 9 except showing a dressing mechanism embodying the present invention in position on the machine;

Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of the machine as shown in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view with portions broken away and in section, approximately on the line |5-l5 of Figs. 14 and 16;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line |6|6 of Figs. 13, 15 and 17;

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view approximately on the line |1| 1 of Fig. 16; and

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view approximately on the line |8-|8 of Figs. 14 and 16.

The present invention may be embodied in machines of different construction but, for purposes of illustration, is herein shown and described as embodied in a machine especially adapted for grinding gears of the approximate size used in automobile speed change transmissions and the like.

In general, the machine shown comprises an L-shaped base or bed A having transversely extending ways IO, N on its right-hand end as viewed from the front, upon which ways a slide, designated generally as B, hereinafter called the grinding wheel carriage or slide, is supported. The grinding wheel slide B carries a grinding wheel G of cylindrical form and. having a helical tooth |2 on its periphery adapted to project into the interdental spaces of the work in the form of a gear W and grind the flanks of the teeth thereof when both are rotated at predetermined speeds while the proper spaced relation to each other. During the grinding operation, the work W is moved in a generally vertical direction to produce a relative feed movement of the work past the grinding wheel and the grinding wheel carriage or slide B is moved along the ways IO, N to produce a relative movement between the work and grinding wheel parallel with the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel, J

thereby distributing the wear over the face of the grinding wheel.

The work or gear W is supported on an arbor l3, the lower end of which is connected to a chuck |4 attached to the upper end of a work I spindle l5 rotatably supported in suitable bearings in a work head frame member I6. The upper end of the arbor |3 is engaged by a center l1 connected to a slide l8 reciprocable on the member I6 toward and from the chuck H in a suitable manner. The member l6 comprises a boss 20 projecting into a generally vertical column 2| through the medium of which boss the work head frame member I6 is rotatably supported in a slide 22 carried by the column 2| for linear movement in a generally vertical direction. The work head frame member I6 is adapted to be rotated relative to the slide 22 and held in any desired angular position with respect thereto by a worm wheel 23 fixed to the rear end of a shaft 24 and continuously in mesh with a worm gear 25 fixed to the boss 20 of the work head frame member IS. The shaft 24 is rotatably supported in the slide 22 and its outer projecting end is provided. with a hand wheel 26 through the medium of which the shaft may be conveniently rotated and the work head frame I 6 angularly adjusted relative to the slide 22. A suitable clamp may be employed for retaining 4 the work head frame member [5 in any adjusted position relative to the slide 22.

The slide 22 is carried by the column 2| through the medium of suitable ways 21, 28 at opposite sides of the slide 22 and is adapted to be moved in a generally vertical direction along the column 2| by a fiuid pressure actuated motor 30 fixed in the column 2| and having its piston rod 3| connected to the slide 22. As shown, the ways 21, 28 which support the slide 22 in the column 2| are in the form of hardened steel strips fixedly secured to the inside of the column adjacent to the right-hand open end thereof, as viewed in Figs. 1, 4 and 5. Opposite sides of the ways 21, 28 are provided with V-shaped grooves 32, 33 and 34, 35, respectively. Similar grooves 36, 31 are provided in hardened inserts 38, 39 fixed to the slide 22 adjacent to its front or near side. Series of ball bearings 40, 4| interposed in the oppositely facing grooves in the member 21 and the inserts 38, 39 provide means for slid-ably connecting the slide to the front or near way 21 and retaining the slide relative to the column against movement in any direction other than longitudinally of the way 21.

Inserts 42, 43, similar to the inserts 38, 39 are provided at the rear side of the slide 22 except that the inserts 42, 43 have flat surfaces facing the grooves 34, in the member 28. Series of ball bearings 44, similar to the series of ball bearings 40, 4| are interposed between the member 28 and the inserts 42, 43 but in this instance the engagement between the series of ball bearings 44, 45 against the inserts 42, 43 in the rear side of the slide is again a flat surface. This permits relative movement of the rear part of the slide relative to the member 28 to compensate for expansion of the slide 22, etc. without having the slide bind in its ways. The construction is such that the slide 22 is free to move along the ways 21, 28 while being held in proper position with respect thereto without play or lost motion and any possibility of the slide binding in its ways is eliminated because of the fact that the rear side of the slide is free to move transversely of the length of the ways '21, 28. As an alternative way construction, one of the V-shaped grooves 32, 33, 36 or 31 at the front of the machine may be a fiat surface. Other arrangements will suggest themselves. Each series of ball bearings 40, 4|, 44 and 45 are retained in suitable, rod-like cages which extend beyond the ends of the ways on the slide 22.

The base of the column 2| is generally rectangular in shape and is pivotally connected to the bed A of the machine by journal boxes 49, connected to the underside of the column and rotatably supported on suitable tubular journals 5|, 52 carried by brackets 53, 54, respectively, supported on the upper side of the bed A. The tubular journal members 5|, 52 are longer than the journal boxes 49, 50, thus permitting adjustment or movement of the column 2| therealong in a manner and for a purpose hereinafter specifically referred to. The front end of the column 2|, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, is supported by a single journal box 55 connected thereto adjacent the front right-hand side, which journal box is shorter than and is carried by a tubular journal member 56 carried by a bracket 51 supported on the base A. The journal box 55 in cludes an eccentric sleeve 58 rotatable therein and having a worm gear 60 formed on its exterior intermediate its ends. The worm gear 60 is continuously engaged by a worm wheel 6| carriedonthe rear endof a generally-"horizontal shaft.- 62, the: front. endv of. which. projectsto; the front of the, journaLbox where it iseprovidedwith a handwheel. 63, Theiconstruction.issuch:that upon rotation. of, the hand :wheel 632thGBOC6I1tIiC sleeve-. 58. within. the journal box; 55. is; rotated and. the column. 2.1. adjusted; about. the J'.O ;nals 5 I 52 at its. rear side. A-.clamp. B l provides; means for holding. the. shaft Bland. in turn; the eccentric. sleeve 58 in any adjusted, position.

The grinding, wheel-G is carried; on a. generally horizontal shaft 55 rotatably supported in. the frame 66 of thehorizontallyreciorocablegrind: ing wheel slide, or. carrier. B. supportedon -.the. base A. of the machine by the. ways Ill, Hv which are similar in.construction to those. employedtorslide ably support the slide 22' in thecolumn. L The ball bearings 61, 58s atthe; leftrhand. side of: the carrier. B, as viewed inv Figs. 2 and, 8,, engage;- in V-grooves relative to the. base A-against movement trans: versely of the lengthof. the.-ways.- The upper-and lower surfaces; at the rightrhand side of;t.he.-car.-- rier are. flat. wherethey are engaged,- by the ball bearings 59., 59;, thus permitting-the-rightehand side of the slide or carriage B toimove transversely ofthe lengthof the waysandeliminatin any possibility of. theslideorv carrienB, bindin in, its ways. The ways uponwhichthecarriage B. is'supported are at right angles-to the axes of the journals- 5|, 52;and.the .s1ide or. carrier; B1. is adapted, to be moved therealong by a cooperating lead. screw '10 and. nut H. The lead-.screw Illis rotatably supnorted. against endwise movement in, a gear. box 12. bolted: to the base A,. andthenut l I is fixedly secured, to therear. wallofi-theframe $6 of. thecarrier. B. The'shaft 6,5" and in;.turn the grinding wheel. G. are.- adaptedto. be; rotated by an electric. drive motor 13-;boited;toithesunper side of the member. 66: and .operatively connected to the shait65 by a suitable'belt: drive -l 4.-of com: merciallconstmctionl Durinathe grindingoperation, therworkz soindle to be. operatively connected'to a shortshaft 1 6 supportedcoaxially therewith in the gear-case 12; by: a clutch designated'generally'by thee-reference character 0, which. clutch: will be; hereinafter morespecifically described;

The rearend; of: the shaft: 1.6a isI provided? with a spiral gear 11 continuously in meshwitha spiral gear "is: connected tothe. upperrear: endiofr an inclined shaft 8.0, the upper. end vof whichis I'Qtfltr ably supported in the. gear; case 2* while thelower endthereoi is rotatably supported in.the basezA; The lower end of the; shaft 80:is;provided,with:a spiral gear. 8| continuously in meshwitha spiral gear 82 on the right-hand end of a. horizontal shaft 83 rotatably supportedin a suitable-housing 19. attached to thebedA. The left-handend of the shaft83 is rotatably supported inasuitable housing. or bracket 89'fixed to theundersidemf.

the column. 2L and iszpr vided-with a spiral gear- 84; splined thereto andcontinuously; in .meslnwith This. locates the: slide or carrier. B.

I Thesunnemshaft 85L has: at spiral. gear; fixed I thereto;: which: gear: is; continuously in mesh with the; soirahgear:QOE-Omtherear endlof: a horizontal shaitsai notatablwcarriedibythe worl-:-.-he.ad frame member; l5?andthe.slideellcoaxialwith.the axis of; rotation: of: the;- workhead frame member It in! thezslide 'EhBc forward; end; of the shaft 9-! carriesi a drive; gean SL011 aloluralitye of. changfi gears: includin n:- addition: to the; gear; 92-v gears 931,244. Therchangeggears-lare carried by; the-work head: frames;memberv t6; and; the driven gear 94 thereof fixed; to: th0:1 8fib-haJldL6nd:0f a, hor-i: zontali shaft. 95: rotatably: supported in the; work heath frame; member: and: provided with a: worm 9B continuouslm' 111.: mesh; with. a; worm.- wheel; 97 fixed to.the.-worlespmdle l.5z. 7

During the grinding operation, the grinding wheel. isy moved.v axiallyx att'a; slowrate; of; speed by; the lead. screw and coooerating; nut 10, H nreviously referred to; Inithermachinewshown, thedirectionnf: movement; isctoward: the; rear, as viewed. inzFigsa 1. and. 2-; however, itis, to be underslkiodthat the direction may bereversed dependingmoorrthedirections of. relative rotation onthe; grinding wheel; and. work. In; the present instance-- the. lead screw 10; is driven; during, the grinding; ogeration;fromthea-shaft 16,- previously referred}to and-iwhich: shaft is, inturn, driven screw Tmjhereanend oi-theshaft 16% is; provided withza;gear;8 fonningtheadrivingggear.of change sears; includinginiadditien; to. theegea-r; 98, gears 98;; I; and; IlH-i FI'hergea-n IJH which forms; the

driven gear: of: change: gears-deferred. tois keyed to. the rearfend of a-vshort shaft I021 rotatably supoorted in the scan case.- 12 and provided; with a; worm. Illa continuously in;m.esh;with a worm Wheel; H142 to: a shaft; l'05ralso. rotatably sup- R rtedqim the-gear case: 121. The shaft N15" is provided: witm a worm H16? continuously in. mesh witmaswormrwheel. I Wfixedtoya sleeve-likemember H18. rotatably; supported, by: suitable, antifrietiom bemngaupomthefreanend of, the lead screw 10,-. The=sleevo Hi8 has a: rearwardly projecting hubs or:- portion: which; extends into. a doubles-acting clutch; of; conventional; constructiomqdesignated. generally;by the'referencecharacter;- D Since the: clutch, D is; of; commercial construction,=, it: will: not be; described in; detail. Sufficeit;to:.-say:- thatqwhen; theraiituatingl member lllfidsishiftedztothe left;.as: vi-ewed-iniFigi 7, the member; I 11.8? is connected to. the lead screiw'llli When; the actuating memben M18 is: shifted; in the opposite direction; that is,...to.ward=,the. right, the clutch-L19 onerates-- to; connect the: lead. screw to..-a,. sleeve:-like member,= Ill rotatably supported in the-gear 0389112 andadapted to: be driven under, certai-mconditionsnf operation, as will be hereinaitendescribedz, The actuating, member I 0-3 of thecelutch;D.- isiadantedyto be manually operated; from; thefront. end; of. the; machine: by alever: I24: connected:thereto-innersuitable. manners. Thei feed; nut; H with-lwhiclntheflead-- screw 10 engages may be of any suitable construction. As

shown, however, it comprises two half nuts I23, I24 fixed to resilient members I25, I26 approximately midway between their ends. The members I25, I 28 are connected to the front wall of the frame 66 of the carriage B by having their ends bolted to brackets I21, I28, which brackets, in turn, are bolted to the frame 66. The two half nuts are preferably manufactured as a unit and subsequently split and the resilient mem-- bers I25, I 26 to which they are attached preferably force the nut members I23, I24 into engagement with the lead screw I with considerable pressure, which construction eliminates any lost motion or backlash which may otherwise be present between the lead screw and nut I0, II. The construction also permits the nut sections I23, I24 to be readily forced apart by suitable manual means (not shown) so as to clear the threads of the lead screw, thus permitting the carriage B to be moved rapidly relative to the lead screw 10 and the nut II to be re-engaged with the screw in a predetermined position. The lead screw 10 may be rotated by hand to adjust the carriage B by a hand wheel IIO connected tothe front end of a shaft III operatively connected to the screw 10.

Preferably the machine comprises power means for reciprocating or moving the column 2I toward and from the grinding wheel G to retract the work spindle I to facilitate loading and unloading and to advance the column to move the work into grinding position. In the embodiment shown, this means comprises a fiuid pressure 0perated motor, not shown, but adapted to be both manually and automatically controlled. The manual control includes a lever II2 shown in neutral position which when moved either to the right or to the left, as viewed in Fig. 2, actuates the fluid pressure operated motor controlled thereby to move the column 2| either toward the right or left, respectively. Movement of the column 2I toward the right is preferably limited by the engagement of an abutment II3 fixed to the underside of the column 2I with an adjustable stop II3 adapted to be set in various positions by manual means including a hand wheel H4. The abutment II3 projects through a guard II5 into the left-hand part of the base A, as viewed in Fig. 2, where it engages the adjustable stop II3. A fiow control valve for controlling the rate of movement of the column 2I is indicated by the reference character II6. The fluid pressure actuated motor 30, previously referred to, is adapted to be manually controlled to raise and lower the slide 22 by a lever II'I similar to the lever II2. A fiow control valve II8 similar to the fiow control valve I I6 is provided for controlling the rate of movement of the slide 22. It is to be understood, however, that in addition to the manual control shown, automatic controls are provided for controlling the flow of fluid pressure to the different motors, etc., so that the machine will perform an automatic cycle of operations and stop with the work spindle in a position to be reloaded.

In setting up an operation on the machine, the vertical column 2| is adjusted about the journals 5I, 52 to position the vertical ways 21, 28 upon which the slide 22 reciprocates in parallelism with the thread or tooth on the grinding wheel G. This is accomplished by rotation of the hand wheel 63. Thereafter the work head frame member I6 is rotated or adjusted about the axis of the shaft SI by means of the hand wheel 26 until the length of the teeth to be ground upon the work W is in parallelism with the thread or tooth on the grinding wheel. When the parts are thus positioned it will be apparent that when the work spindle is fed vertically by the fluid pressure actuated motor moving the slide 22 upon its ways 21, 28 in the column, the direction of feed will be parallel to the length of the teeth on the work W. After the proper relative speeds of rotation of the grinding wheel and work have been selected by proper selection of the change gears 92, 93 and 94 and the proper feed of the carriage B by proper selection of the change gears 98, 99, I00 and IOI, the motor I3 is started by pressing the appropriate start push button on the electric control panel II9, see Fig. 2, and the clutch C engaged.

The machine continues to operate with the grinding wheel and work rotating at predetermined speeds while the grinding wheel is fed slowly across the work and the work fed slowly in a generally vertical direction by the hydraulic motor 30 until the gear or work has been completely ground. Thereafter, the clutch C is disengaged, preferably automatically, to stop the feed and rotation of the work spindle; the lead nut II expanded to clear the lead screw 10; the carriage B returned to initial position; the slide 22 lowered to its original position; and a new piece of work substituted for the one ground. Assuming that the carriage B is returned to the same starting position each time, the rotation of the work W and the lead screw I0 can always be restarted for the same relative position of the grinding wheel because the clutch C is a single position clutch, as will be hereinafter described, and is in the drive for the respective movements referred to adjacent to the grinding wheel, the spindle of which is directly connected to the drive motor I3. In order to permit the clutch C to be re-engaged without undue strain upon the various parts of the machine, even though the grinding wheel is rotating at full speed, it includes a friction drive for bringing the respective parts to full speed before the positive engagement is effected.

Referring particularly to Fig. 7, the clutch C comprises a driven member I30 splined upon the left-hand end of the shaft I5 and adapted to be reciprocated along said shaft by a sleeve I3I rotatably supported upon the member I and adapted to be engaged by a shift yoke, not shown. The shifting yoke is operatively connected by suitable mechanism to a clutch lever I32 at the front of the machine. When the driving member I 30 of the clutch C is shifted toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 7, it is adapted to be positively connected to and drive the driven member I33 formed as an integral part of the right-hand end of the shaft I6. The drive between the two members of the clutch C is effected by two pins I34, only one of which is shown, fixedly secured to the driving member I30 and adapted to engage within suitable apertures I36 in the driven member I33. The pins I34 and the apertures I36 within which they engage, respectively, are at different distances from the axis of rotation of the clutch, with the result that the clutch is a single position clutch.

In order that the driven member I 33 of the clutch C will be rotated at the same speed as the driving member I30 when the positive engagement between the two members is effected, the driving member I30 is provided with an external sleeve I40 slidable axially thereon and aerator:

rotatable relative thereto within-predetermined limits. The left-hand end of the sleeve I40 extends forwardly ofthe pins I34 andis provided with a beveled frictionsur-faceadapted to engage a similar friction surf-ace on the exterior of the member I33. Rotationof the-sleeve I40 relative to the member I30 =is'li-mited by a plurality of pins I45 fixed in themember 130. Each L01" the pins I4I projectsinto a-longitudinal-groovaI42-in the sleeve I49. The right-hand ends of the grooves I42 are elongated andhave inclinedlsurfaces I43 against which the pins I normally engage when anattempt is made toiengage the clutch because the friction betweenuthe ifriction surfaces, previously referred to, tends l-to rotate the sleeve I46 in =a'direction topositionthezpins MI in the-lower right-hand'ends:iof the grooves I 42. This prevents shifting the member I30 far enough to engage the pins I34 zinthe apertures I36 until 'the driven =me'mber I33 attains the same speed as the driving' -member I.30,.-at .=which time the force tending to rotate the sleeve .4149 in a direction to maintain thepin I4Irdecreases sufiiciently for the shifting force to overcomethe action between the pin IJ4Iandthe: inclined surface I 43 and move: the *sleeve thereby. permitting the positive engagement of .the clutch to be effected. Spring pressed :idetents, .not shown, normally maintain theisleeve I140 in the forward position shown in-the .drawings.

Provision is alsormader for periodically crushing and dressing :the "grinding Swheel G. The crushing mechanism, see Figs. 9 to 12, comprises a frame or bracket I-50 adapted:.to:bedetachably connected to the column .52I with a crushing wheel .I-I carried thereby in positionito :crush the grinding wheel G. Opposite sides ofthe vertical column 2| are providediwith projecting pins I52, I53 adapted tobe engaged by hook-like members I54 connected to or. forming ap'art .of theframe I50. The frame I50 is heldin proper position with respect to the-:column: 2 I by the engagement of flat surfacesISB, I51 in therear side ofthe frame with suitable surfaces ;.upon :the' righthand end of the column2I. The frame I50is in the general form ofiayoke-iand theconstruction is such thatit can=be:positioned upon the column by merely'removing the .work arborand positioning the 'work'head'framemember I.6- so that the axis of the spindle;l: carriedtherebyissubstantially vertical.

The crushing wheel I-I'is detachably connected to a spindle I60 supported by antifrictionbearings in a member I6I pivotallyconnectedat its lower rear end by means ofa pin I62 to projections forminga part of theframe. I50. 'Theupper end of the member I6I iscontinuously urged in a direction to engage the crushing wheel H with the grinding wheel (3- by a compression spring I63, one end of which is-bottomed in an aperture I64 in a sleeve-like member I65.pivotally1connected as by a pin I66 to the'frame I50. The other end of the spring 163, abuts against a washer I61 secured .to the'adjacentend ofan adjustment screw I581which1provides means for adjusting the force of the: spring. The adjusting screw I68 is'threadediintotheupper end of the member I6I opposite to theend ipivoted to-fthe pin I62, whichiend is. sleeve-like informandtelescopes over the freeiend of the member I65. This about the pin I62 under the actionr'of the. spring I63 and the engagement .of'thecrush rollersI-I with the grinding wheel G; in other wo d crushing wheel H is yieldably ne s w h' grinding wheel G during :the crushing operation. A positive stoplin. the form'vof a screwLI'I lI-fixed to the frameAI50is provided for limiting. movement of the member IGI undertheaction'oflthe spring I63. :The head of 'thescrew I10 engages :the bottom -of a countersink in the member I6 I and the shank .:projects :through an enlarged opening so aslnot to interferewith .the'pivotal movement of the member. I.6I. .The crushing wheel assembly,i. including .the crushing .wheel .H, .;the .spindle I50 and .the bearings, etc. within .which .the spindle;is.:rotatably supported, oanbe? removed as atunit byremoving the clampsJII, II2lnormally securedito .the member I6 I 'byscrews I13, I14.

Illhe .crushing .wheel. H..includes la 1 plurality .of annular .teeth .I.5I, .in the embodiment .shown two; however, :any :desired .number .may be emplayed. The teethwIS Lare conjugate. tolthe. tooth or thread of the .grinding wheel .to be crushed except for. the factithatitheoutside fianksofthe two end .teeth are relieved, .as clearly shown 1 in Fig. -12, :thus reducing the liability :of breaking 1 off the tooth of the grinding wheel due topresallypby thereferencecharacter F, forming apart construction permits the member -I6I .to pivot of asdetachable .dressingattachment comprising a frame Isimilar to.the,fra.me I56 of the crushing attachment andadapted toabe; detachably connected vto the column 2 I in .,a similar manner. T1185 grinding whe ls F, .of which I there are two, for a purposeJhereinafterreferred to, are connected toopposite :ends of a spindle I8I rotatably supported by .suitable antifriction bearings in;a.-.bracket I82. .As ;shown, thegrinding wheelsgl ieach .oorr1prises,.a metal wheel, I83 having-.a'flat radial. surfacev I84 .on-its .outersi-de, whichsurfaceis facedlor providedwitha grinding'disk: I585. The-wheel I83.at theside Opposite the grinding-disk I85; is beveled .or cut awayasat I86 so thatthe periphery of the wheel can enter the interdental spaces of thelgrindingwheel G, see Fig. 18. I

The bracket I=82. is,pivotally connectedtoa member I86 for rotationaboutan axisparallelto .the.axis-of thespindleIBI byapinIIfl. The pin I81,. is fixedfinuthe. forwardly.projectingends of arms I88, I90 forming the .upper part. of the member 5 I86 and ,the bracket. I 82 is connected thereto by suitable santifriction bearings. ,The spindle; I 8 I I and v in turn the, grinding wheels F carried thereby -are adapted to berotated-by an electricmotor I9Irnounted upon the upper end, of the;- bracket 1-82. .The rotor shaft I92 of the motor, .I 9 I is. connected-by a coupling I 93 to :the upper end-of a shaft I94 rotatablyrsupported -.by Iantifriction bearings in the bracket I82. Theshaft I94. extends 1 at right angles to the spindle It .and 31S =operatively connected thereto bye-a worm I95 formed integral onthe shaft I94 intermediate its endsywhichwormds continuous1y:in;mesh withqa worm wheel I96 keyed to the spindle -I'8I. The .lower reduced apsmall worm 200 keyed thereto, -which w orm .is I continuously in .mesh with; a worm wheel- 2M 11? allel thereto. The shaft 202 is rotatably supported in the bracket I82 by suitable antifriction bearings and extends to the rear of the bracket, as clearly shown in Fig. 17, where it is provided with an eccentric 203 having a pitman 204 connected thereto through the medium of an antifriction bearings. The other end of the pitman 204 is pivotally connected to a screw 205 fixed to a, boss 206 formed integral with the lower end of the member I86. The construction is such that upon operation of the motor I9I, the grinding wheels F are driven and the housing or bracket I82 is oscillated about its pivot IN by rotation of the eccentric 203 and its connection with the pitman 204. This superimposes upon the rotation of the grinding wheels a slight oscillation in a plane parallel to their working surfaces, thus distributing the grinding operation over a slightly larger area of the grinding wheel than would otherwise be the case and preventing the formation of continuous grooves in the surface being ground.

In order to provide for the grinding of opposite sides of the tooth on the grinding wheel and to provide for the grinding of teeth having different pressure angles, the member I86 which carries the grinding wheels F is pivotally supported by a pin 201 for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of the shaft I94 and at right angles to the spindle I8I. The pin 201 is fixedly secured to the member I86 and is rotatably supported by means of suitable antifriction bearings in the housing I80, see Fig. 16. The housing I86 may be secured in any desired angular position by means of a clamp 2I0 connected to the underside of a member 2 by a clamp screw 2I2. The member 2II includes projecting end flanges by which it is fixedly secured to the ends of the arms I88, I90 of the member or bracket I86. A plate-like member 2I3 detachably connected to the frame I80 and provided with suitable graduations 2I4 projects underneath the right-hand end of the member 2H and above the right-hand end of the clamp 2I0, as viewed in Fig. 16, and the member 2II can be securely clamped thereto by tightening the clamp 2I0 by rotating the screw 2I2. Since most gears are of one pressure angle the plate 2I3 preferably has notches 2I5 therein at the positions into which the housing I86 is most often adjusted, which notches are adapted to be engaged by a latch 2I6 carried by the member 2 I I. In operation, the one side of the tooth I2 on the grinding wheel G is ground by one of the grinding wheels F with the member I86 adjusted in one position; for example, the position shown in Fig. 15. The other side of the tooth I2 is ground by the other grinding wheel F with the member I06 adjusted a suitable distance adjacent to the opposite end of the scale 2I0.

During both the crushing and the dressing operations, the carriage B upon which the grinding wheel G is supported is moved longitudinally of the axis of the grinding wheel and the grinding wheel G rotated in timed relation thereto so that the crushing wheel II or the grinding wheel F is operated asthough in mesh with the grinding wheel G. During the crushing and grinding operations, the grinding wheel G is preferably operated at a slower rate of speed than the speed at which it normally operates and, in the embodiment shown, during the crushing and dressing operations, the motor I3 which normally drives the grinding wheel is deenergized and the grinding wheel driven from a motor 220 mounted on the top of the gear box 72. The motor 220, see Fig. 7, is connected by a belt 22I and suitable pulleys 222, 223 to a shaft 224 rotatably supported in the gear case I2 and extending at right angles to the shaft I5. The shaft 224 is provided with a worm 225 continuously in mesh with a worm wheel 226 rotatably supported by antifriction bearings in the gear box I2 coaxial with the shaft I5. As shown, the worm wheel 226 is bolted to a sleeve-like memher 227, which member in turn has an external gear 228 and internal clutch teeth 230 formed integral therewith. The clutch teeth 230 are adapted to be selectively engaged by cooperating clutch teeth 23I on a clutch element 232 fixedly secured to the member I30, previously referred to, and which member is splined to the left-hand end of the shaft I5. The construction is such that the sleeve-like member 22'! can be operatively connected to the shaft I5 by shifting the member I30 to the right a sufficient distance to engage the clutch teeth 230, 23I. The gear 220 is continuously in mesh with a gear 234 keyed to a shaft 235 rotatably supported in the gear box 12 and extending parallel with the axis of rotation of the shaft I5. The shaft 235 is adapted to be connected by change gears, designated generally as 230, to a studshaft 231 rotatably supported in the gear box I2. The shaft 231 has the driven member I20 of the clutch D, previously referred to, formed integral therewith.

From the foregoing, it is believed that the operation of the drive just referred to will be apparent. Suffice it to say that when the member I30 of the clutch C is shifted to the right, as viewed in Fig. '7, to engage the clutch teeth 230, 23I and the clutch D is shifted to engage the left-hand side thereof; that is, to connect the driven member I20 to the screw I0, the grinding wheel G will be rotated at a relatively slow rate of speed and fed or moved axially by the lead screw I0 upon operation of the motor 220.

From the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent that the objects heretofore enumerated and others have been accomplished and that there has been provided a novel and improved grinding machine including crushing and dressing attachments. The crushing and dressing attachments as well as the feed nut shown and described herein are claimed in copending divisional applications. While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in considerable detail, the invention is not limited to the particular construction illustrated and it is my intention to cover hereby all adaptations, modifications and uses thereof which come within the practice of those skilled in the art to which the invention relates and within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. In a machine for finishing the teeth of gears, splines and the like by grinding, a rotatably supported grinding wheel spindle adapted to have a grinding wheel provided with a helical tooth or thread on its periphery connected thereto, a rotatable work spindle having its axis of rotation angularly disposed and offset with respect to the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel spindle and adapted to have gears and the like to be ground connected thereto, a first rotatable member supporting one of said spindles for pivoted movement, a slidable member supporting said rotatable member for movement in a direction normal accepts rotatable member.

2. In a' machine for finishingthe teeth 'ofgears, splines and'the like by grinding'arotatably supported grinding wheel spindle'adapted to h'ave'a grinding wheel'provi'ded with a helical tooth'or thread on its periphery connected thereto, a rotatable work spindl having its axis of rotation angularly disposed and offset with'respect to the axis of rotation of the grinding "wheel spindle and adapted to have gears and the like connected thereto, a first rotatable member supporting said work spindle, a slidable member supporting said rotatable member for movement in a direction normal to the axis of rotation of said first rotatable member, and a second rotatable member supporting said slide for pivotal movement about an axis parallel with the axis of rotation of said first rotatable member.

3. In a machine for finishing the teeth of gears, splines and the like by grinding, a rotatably supported grinding wheel spindle adapted to have a worm gear type grinding wheel connected thereto, a rotatable work spindle having its axis of rotation angularly disposed and offset with respect to the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel spindle and adapted to have gears and the like connected thereto, a first rotatable member supporting one of said spindles, a slidable member supporting said rotatable member for movement in a direction normal to the axis of rotation of said first rotatable member, a second rotatable member supporting said slide for pivotal movement about an axis parallel with the axis of rotation of said first rotatable member, and a mechanical drive connecting said spindles, said drive comprising not more than eight gears.

l. In a machine for finishing the teeth of ears, splines and the like by grinding, a rotatably sup-- ported grinding wheel spindle adapted to have a Worm gear type grinding wheel connected thereto, a rotatable work spindle having its-axis of rotation angularly disposed and offset with respect to the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel spindle and adapted to have gears and the like connected thereto, a first rotatable member supporting one of said spindles, a slidable member supporting said rotatable member for movement in a direction normal to the axis of rotation of said first rotatable member, a second rotatable member supporting said slide for pivotal movement about an axis parallel with the axis of rotation of said first rotatable member, and a mechanical drive connecting said spindles, said drive comprising a one position clutch located therein adjacent to the end of said drive connected to said grinding wheel spindle.

5. In a machine for finishing the teeth of gears, splines and the like by grinding, a frame, a grinding wheel carriage slidably supported on said frame, a grinding wheel spindle adapted to have a worm gear type grinding wheel connected thereto, means for rotatably supporting said grinding wheel spindle on said carriage with its axis of rotation parallel to the direction of movement of said carriage, means for rotating said grinding wheel spindle, means for moving said carriage in timed relation to the rotation of said grinding wheel spindle, a column movable on said frame in a direction towards and from the axis axis of rotation-pf fsaid grinding "wheel spindle, a member slidably supported onsaid column for movement in adirection normal to-the axis of rotati'on'of said columnL-a member supported in said'slid'e forpivotal movement about an axis parallel with the axis of rotation of said column, a rotatable work spindle -"carried by said lastnamed member with its axis "of rotation disposed atright angles tothe axis of rotation of said member, said work spindle beingadapted to have gears and the like connected thereto, and -means for rotatin said w'ork spin'dle in timed relation to the ,rotation of said grinding Wheel spindle.

6. Ina machine for finishing the teeth of gears, splines and the like by grinding, a rotatably supported grinding wheel spindle adapted to have a grinding wheel provided with a helical tooth or thread on its periphery connected thereto, 151. ro-,

tatable work spindle having its axis of rotation offset with respect to the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel spindle and adapted to have gears.

and the like to be ground connected thereto, means for rotating said spindles in timed relation to each other, a first rotatable member supporting one of said. spindles for pivoted movement, a slidable member supporting said rotatable member for movement in a direction normal to the axis of rotation of said first rotatable member, a member supporting said slide for linear movement in a path at right angles to the axis of rotation of said first rotatable member, and

.means for angularly adjusting the relationship between said path of movement of said slide and the axis of rotation of the other of said spindles about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of saidfirst rotatable member.

7. In a machine for finishing the teeth of gears, splines and the like by grinding, a rotatable grinding wheel spindle adapted to have a worm type grinding wheel connected thereto, a rotatable work spindle adapted to have gears and the like connected thereto, a slide member, means for supporting one of said spindles on said slide member for adjustment about an axis at right angles to the axis of rotation of said spindle, means for moving said slide member in a linear direction at right angles to said last-named axis, means for rotating said spindles in timed relation to each other, and means for adjusting the angular relationship between the path of movement of said slide and the axis of rotation of said spindle other than said spindle carried by said slide about an axis parallel with said axis about which said spindle carried by said slide is adjustably supported thereon.

8. In a machne for finishing the teeth of gears, splines and the like by grinding, aframe, a grinding wheel carriage slidably supported on said frame, a grinding wheel spindle adapted to have a worm type grinding wheel connected thereto, means for rotatably supporting said grinding wheel spindle on said carriage with its axis of rotation parallel to the direction of movement of said carriage, means for rotating said grinding wheel, means for moving said carriage in timed relation to the rotation of said grinding wheel spindle, a slide member supported on said frame for linear movement in a direction transverse of the axis of rotation of said grinding wheel spindle, a work head member supported in said slide for angular adjustment about an axis normal to the direction of movement of said slide, a rotatable work spindle carried by said work head member with its axis of rotation disposed ninety degrees to the axis of rotation of said work head mem- 15 her, said work spindle being adapted to have gears and the like connected thereto, means for rotating said work spindle in timed relation to the rotation of said grinding wheel spindle, and means for effecting relative pivotal movement between said slide and said grinding wheel spindle about an axis parallel with the axis of rotation of said work head member relative to said slide.

OTIS E. STAPLES.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Number 16 Name Date Burns Oct. 11, 1927 Hanson Dec. 4, 1928 Hulshizer June 6, 1939 Zwick May 20, 1941 Johnson Dec. 23, 1941 Wickman June 9, 1942 Ross Oct. 26, 1943 Wickman June 15, 1948 Wickman Sept. 14, 1948 Klamp July 12, 1949 Lohutko Sept. 27, 1949 Lohutko July 17, 1951 

